Bubendorf, Switzerland, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – CIS Pharma has developed a coating technology to improve the comfort of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The technology is based upon a block-copolymer technology comprising a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic part. The co-polymer is used for a non-covalent, adhesive interaction with the silicone part of silicone-hydrogel contact lens to form a hydrophilic layer on the contact lens surface

The block-polymer technology is designed to prevent the contact lenses from lipid deposits, leading to longer and more clear vision during the wearing time. The technology was shown to increase the wettability and to reduce the friction, leading to longer wear time.

The coating technology is applied at the end of the manufacturing process, where the silicone contact lenses are heat sterilized. As a result, the technology is applied efficaciously without adding additional steps to the manufacturing process, causing marginal additional costs only.

About contact lens materials

The latest generation of contact lens materials is a combination of hydrogel and silicone materials. Silicone has high oxygen permeability but only a limited wettability and is thus not optimal for use on the eye. The contact lens surface therefore is treated with plasma to form hydrophilic silica islands, ensuring that the lenses comprise high oxygen permeability without affecting the lubricity and wear comfort.

About CIS Pharma AG

CIS Pharma AG is an innovator in the life science industry. The company was founded in 1952 and is family owned. CIS Pharma is located in the life science cluster of Basel, Switzerland. In our laboratories, we synthesize novel molecules, develop new biomaterials and create cutting-edge medical devices. Our mission is to improve the risk-benefit profile of currently used medical treatments. For more information about the company, visit our website www.cis-pharma.com. — Discovery is our business, progress our passion.